Starting out for rookies

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by MACK E-6, Jan 18, 2007.

  1. nightrider57

    nightrider57 Bobtail Member

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    I just asked a question, didn't think I'd get flamed. You don't know me and I'm sure you don't represent the entire trucking industry on your opinions and asumptions. I've found many who feel as we did and wanted to train together. They were able to and have become successful teams. We will be taking their advise. It's ashame really, because you post that you have 38 years experience and could be very helpful as the topic of this forum offers.
     
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  3. SLANT6

    SLANT6 Road Train Member

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    Ok. I will tell you what you WANT to hear...Any company will hire you both, and put you through training together. They will put you in a truck that has a bench seat so you two can get some snuggle time while training. Then when you 2 get out on the road together as a team, you can learn as you go.

    I have been in it 38 years and have seen just about everything. From a driver to a Terminal Manager for what used to be the largest auto carrier in the west.
    Trucking is work. Not love birds going on vacation.

    I wish you the best of luck. Look me up if you ever want to hear how it really is.
     
  4. Bfr38

    Bfr38 Medium Load Member

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    You either have to know someone, or go OTR with someone like Schneider, Swift, Pam, Prime, etc... I was lucky and got grand fathered in. I hauled grain for my uncle for years, and then bought my own semi. As far as a rookie question I can tell you 2 things that is really important to do. 1. Never get in a hurry it never pays. 2 Go slow around turns! That is a biggie you don't want to roll one. I was so tired one night shouldn't have been driving and my trailer came off the ground I said enough of that. I will take my time. I have heard of to many guys rolling them and that is not a ride I want to take.
     
  5. nightrider57

    nightrider57 Bobtail Member

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    Slant,
    Do you always treat people like they haven't got a clue? We came looking for advise and you're just being a jerk. Your 38 years of experience means nothing if you aren't open to helping others pick up where you leave off. GROW UP DUDE
    WTF are you even thinking saying stupid crap like this? Who the Hell would ever think trucking is a vacation! Obviously you aren't a very happy person to be treating people like this over asking for simple advise. Get another hobby and stop abusing people on the forum. No one wants to hear your crap. We are making a huge change in our life and wanted advise from others who've done the same. Luckily others on here are more capable of helping with their years of experience and we've gotten some intelligent answers. I was trying to ignore you but figured I'd let you know how valuable you are to your fellow drivers.
     
  6. Bfr38

    Bfr38 Medium Load Member

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    Good ol Marines MOTOR-T :)E=pan;2767951]i started out in calif. hauling for an old trucker (Joe George trucking out of Modesto, hauling double bottom dumps and double flats with grain peaches and what ever following the seasons. made dam good money too. i learned in the u.s.m.c. to drive commercial tractor trailer and when i got out had no civilian expirience so was hard to get on with anyone. that was around 1974.[/QUOTE]
     
  7. SLANT6

    SLANT6 Road Train Member

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    If what I said gets you in such an uproar, how will you handle being called in to the safety office in your terminal because the safety person wants the other side of the story when the spouse took down a pole somewhere. They will want to hear what the other driver did, not your husband or wife. To them, all you are is the other driver in the team truck.

    I advise you to grow a thicker skin there toddler pants.
     
  8. lexmark

    lexmark Medium Load Member

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    FWIT, I don't think what was said was all that rude. However, I do think that too many people on here lay out the facts in a way that comes across too sarcastic or condescending and it rubs people the wrong way. It's ok to tell it like you see it but I think people should post the way they talk to people in person and I imagine some of those here that are so blunt aren't like that face to face.

    On the other hand, some people can't take criticism or advice if it doesn't exactly match the opinions they already have.
     
  9. nightrider57

    nightrider57 Bobtail Member

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    "Toddler Pants" "Lovebirds on vacation" "thin skinned" These are all unnecessary comments and assumptions.

    Lexmark thank you for trying to make sense out of it all.

    I am open to opinions, and advice, if given, and am here for information and people's real life experience. We are a 50 year old couple looking to make a change in our career. I've held the same career for over 25 years, myself. I'm not here to be treated disrespectfully and as though I'm an unskilled child. We all ask questions to learn. Slant needs to just move along.

    BTW, SLANT- yes it is possible to take training at the same time with the same trainer IN the same truck. I really don't care what you think of it, and I'm not going to address this with you anymore, since there's no pleasing you. I suppose you'll tell me next that I believe trucks never break down. :biggrin_25523: LMAO
     
  10. SLANT6

    SLANT6 Road Train Member

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    Geez. I was half kidding with you. Why are you so worked up? I was just giving you a little of how the real world of trucking is. OK, you both have a dream to quit your jobs and "GO TRUCKING"...Yes it can be done. That said, I am not sure you realize just how difficult the profession is. I wish you both well.
     
  11. HeartHooves

    HeartHooves Light Load Member

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    Hey, AfterShock and Slant6. LOVE your straight talk with a seasoning of humorous sarcasm and witt! That's what I want, straight talk. I'm not a "perfume and flowers" kind of gal. Although nice, not very practical.
    I already have my class B. Been driving for a bus company for a few years. Love the company, nice people. But, I have not been getting the hours (yes, they pay by the hour). My last 2 paychecks just barely broke $500 (get paid once a month). That won't cut it!
    Been toying with going for my class A and shooting for OTR. But reading some of the posts here makes me wonder if it's worth it to go through the schooling (that I would be paying for). At my age, would trucking companies even look at me seriously? If I walked into an office I can pass for much younger, but I can't hide the year of my birth on my license.
    Also, I'm not a "skinny minnie". Extra weight brought on by health condition that does NOT effect my driving or ability to do my job. Have NO health issues that are typically an issue for someone of my weight. If you can look past my weight, I'm VERY healthy. When someone (sorry, don't remember who it was) posted about the possibility of having a sleep apnea test done at MY expense . . . , that really made me rethink this direction.
    Just trying to figure out if going into trucking is worth the financial cost to get in the door, especially when my dollars are so tight right now as it is. I don't mind putting the investment into it, but if I don't come out at least a little ahead, it's not worth it.
    Unfortunately, my driving record is not totally clean. I had a small fender bender when I first started driving with my CDL. It was mostly my fault, but I LEARNED from that mistake. Haven't had a problem since and do my utmost best not to.
    So, what do you guys think? Don't worry, I'll not just look at your advice, but will throw it in with all the other info (so long as it's "straight") I accumulate here and elsewhere.
    Thanks.
     
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